The Arboretum in Nottingham is a beautiful public park known for its rich collection of trees, shrubs, and plants from various parts of the world. Established in the 19th century, it serves as a serene escape from urban life, featuring well-maintained pathways, ornamental gardens, and scenic seating areas. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant seasonal displays of flowers and foliage, along with important historical landmarks like the stunning glasshouse and various commemorative sculptures. The park is a great place for leisurely strolls, picnics, and appreciating nature within the city.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 2,977
- Tripadvisor 4.5 320
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Beautifully Maintained Grounds The park is meticulously maintained with well-kept gardens, diverse trees, and clean paths. This creates a visually appealing and pleasant environment for walking, picnicking, and enjoying nature.
- Convenient City Center Location Situated close to the city center and easily accessible by public transport, the Arboretum provides a quick retreat without extensive travel. This makes it perfect for a spontaneous break or a planned visit.
- Historically Significant The park features interesting historical monuments and architecture, such as the Chinese Bell Tower and various statues. These elements add character and provide insights into the area's rich history.
- Peaceful Escape The Arboretum offers a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere with lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and quiet reflection.
- Rich in Wildlife The Arboretum is home to a variety of wildlife, including squirrels, birds, and ducks, enhancing the visitor experience. The aviary is a particular highlight, offering the chance to see exotic birds up close.
Criticised
- Bird Enclosures Debated Some reviewers express concern regarding the bird enclosures and state that they are old and somewhat grim.
- Limited Toilet Facilities Toilet access can be restricted, with facilities only available to café customers. This may be inconvenient for visitors planning longer stays or those not intending to make a purchase.
- Litter Concerns Some visitors have noted issues with litter and discarded BBQs, impacting the park's overall cleanliness. This detracts from the otherwise well-maintained environment.
- Parking Can Be Difficult Finding parking near the Arboretum can be challenging, especially during peak times. Visitors may need to park further away and walk, or utilize public transportation to avoid parking issues.
- Potential for Overcrowding The Arboretum can get crowded during warmer months and university term times, diminishing the sense of peace and tranquility. Visitors seeking solitude may prefer quieter times of the day or year.
The longer read
The Arboretum is a well-maintained and peaceful park conveniently located near Nottingham City Centre, easily accessible by foot, bus, or tram. Reviewers consistently praise its accessibility and suitability for a relaxing escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The park is noted for its flat terrain, making it wheelchair-friendly, and its dog-friendly policy (with a requirement to keep pets on a lead to protect wildlife).
Many reviewers highlight the park's beautiful greenery, stunning trees and regularly planted flowerbeds with vibrant colours. The changing colors in autumn are especially anticipated. Wildlife, including friendly squirrels, various birds and ducks, adds to the park's charm. Visitors enjoy feeding the squirrels and observing the diverse birdlife, although feeding ducks bread is discouraged. The park features benches throughout, offering spots to sit and enjoy the scenery or have a picnic. It is also noted as a serene and calm environment, ideal for relaxation. The park's atmosphere is further enhanced by interesting architecture and historical monuments, like the Chinese Bell Tower.
Several reviewers recommend downloading the tree trail to learn more about the various trees within the Arboretum. The park has hosted outdoor concerts and community festivals, adding to its appeal. However, some reviewers mention limited availability of toilets, particularly outside of cafe opening hours. The on-site cafe is generally well-regarded, with reviewers praising its service and food. The Arboretum is considered a valuable asset for the city, providing a green oasis for both locals and tourists. Some reviewers also noted that the park is particularly beautiful in the spring when the flowers are blooming.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 915 2733
- Website
- nottinghamcity.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/events-markets-parks-and-museums/parks-and-open-spaces/find-your-local-park/nottingham-arboretum
| Mon | 8:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 8:00 - 18:00 |
| Wed | 8:00 - 18:00 |
| Thu | 8:00 - 18:00 |
| Fri | 8:00 - 18:00 |
| Sat | 9:00 - 18:00 |
| Sun | 9:00 - 18:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 15 venues we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem.
Still deciding?
- What season or time of day offers the most vibrant scenery and comfortable weather at the Nottingham Arboretum?
- Which of the 800 trees in the Arboretum date back to the original 1852 planting and are considered historically significant?
- What regular community events, concerts, or festivals are held at the Arboretum and how can visitors participate?
- What facilities and pathways does the Arboretum provide for wheelchair users and families with strollers?
- Which nearby Nottingham attractions or dining spots complement a visit to the Arboretum for a full day itinerary?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.